Patients and their families at Sunshine Hospital now have a safe haven to go to when the ward gets too unsettling or confronting.
On Wednesday, September 11, a family room was opened by Ronald McDonald House Charities in partnership with Western Health, which runs the site.
The space is found in the paediatric ward on level six of the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in St Albans.
It is hoped that the establishment of the family room will offer children, parents, and carers ‘much-needed respite’ from the hospital environment.
Western Health chief operating officer John Ferraro said it was an “important milestone” in the healthcare provider’s history.
“It’s state-of-the-art, it’s first class, and it’s what makes the difference for patients and their families,” he said.
“This is what Western Health stands for – that we can … provide a little bit of relief for children.”
The benefits of the family room are wide-ranging for everyone, said Mr Ferraro.
“Having this outlet where you can go and take your child away and distract them from medical equipment and what’s happening. .. is significant in terms of their wellbeing.”
A kitchen, lounge and dining area, workspaces and a welcoming outdoor area are offered to those visiting, who might be staying long term while their child is sick.
There are also snacks and refreshments, computers, and internet access available.
According to Mr Ferraro, more than 4000 paediatric patients visit the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital every year.
This is the third Ronald McDonald House Charities family room in Victoria – the others are in the Monash Children’s Hospital and Wodonga Hospital.
